Question

Read the passage about newts. A certain species of newt can produce a toxin that can kill predators. Scientists have observed that some snakes can eat the newts because they have a natural resistance to the toxin. In areas where newts and snakes interact, which of the following explanations is best supported by the theory of evolution? a The snakes acquired the resistance through learning. b The snakes acquired the resistance due to genetic drift. c The snakes with the resistance to the newt toxin will pass on the gene for resistance to their offspring. d The snakes with the resistance to the newt toxin have a gene mutation that will not be passed to their offspring.

Answer 1

The best-supported explanation by the theory of evolution is:

c The snakes with the resistance to the newt toxin will pass on the gene for resistance to their offspring.

This option aligns with the principles of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits (in this case, genetic resistance to the newt toxin) are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to their offspring. The other options either misunderstand the mechanisms of evolution or suggest processes that do not apply to the scenario presented.